Everton & Ipswich agree deals for Barcelona target – report
Multiple offers accepted for Hull winger Jaden Philogene
Everton & Ipswich in running; Aston Villa expected to trigger clause
Barcelona heavily linked but best offer would have been a loan
Everton and Ipswich Town are each reported to have had offers accepted for Hull City winger Jaden Philogene, who had been heavily linked with Barcelona.
Philogene managed 18 goals and assists in 32 Championship appearances for Hull last season in what proved to be a breakout campaign for the 22-year-old.
Paul Joyce of The Times has reported that Everton have reached an agreement with Hull at a price point of £16m, with the Toffees believing he wants to join them and maintaining a “positive” outlook despite competition from other clubs in the transfer pursuit.
From The Athletic, Ipswich are described as “close” to landing Philogene following an £18m offer to Hull and terms on a five-year contract agreed with the player. It isn’t fully finalised, but the suggestion is that Philogene is expected for a medical in Suffolk by the end of the week.
Aston Villa, who sold Philogene to Hull last summer, have a clause that will allow them to match an accepted offer and are expected to use it. But the decision over which club to join would then be down to the player. BBC Sport writes that Crystal Palace opted against making an offer over price.
Barcelona, who continue to work under financial limitations, were reported to want Philogene on an initial loan with an obligation to buy dependent on appearances.
Earlier this week, he told Spanish media that his long-term ambition remains to play for the Catalan giants. But he implied there hadn’t been a concrete offer from them this time around.
“I chose the Premier League because it is the clearest offer I have, but my dream is still La Liga. Barca is my dream, I hope I can sign for them one day. My idols are Ronaldinho and Neymar,” Philogene explained to Que T’hi Jugues.
